When I began this blog of mine over six years ago I never imagined the amount of love and passion I would have for the city that I am so lucky to call home. Having always loved this region I didn’t think it would be possible to find deeper meaning, deeper roots and deeper passions that I have come to find, but it has happened and there is so, so much to be grateful for in our region.

Since it is “716 day” I thought I would share my list of favorite (favorite!!) restaurants, venues, activities, events, and people I like to follow. I know I missed A LOT on this list (it’s so hard to think of it all), but take a look. Let me know what are some of your favorite things in the 716 - places you like to go, events you like to attend and people you like to follow.

Western New York may be a small region compared to big cities, but it has a ton of talent, pride and passion to share with visitors and those that are lucky to call it home.

Favorites broken down by category:

Brewery: Resurgence – Have you checked out their new location at 55 Chicago? If not, definitely put it on your list of things to do

Restaurants:

Southtowns: Alchemy Wine Bar/The Grange

Downtown Restaurants: Marble + Rye, Hearth + Press (especially before a show at Sheas), Hydraulic Hearth (love their outdoor patio in the summertime), Cantina Loco is my favorite spot for guac, and chips and they are my favorite spot for margaritas. Love Wasabi on Elmwood for Sushi

Northtowns: Share on Main Street, TCB on Transit Road and Greens on Transit

Cocktails – Duende at Silo City is a pretty cool, chill place, Angelica Tea Room, Just Vino on Main Street, Blackbird Cider on Chandler Street, The Terrace at Delaware Park is a beautiful spot as well, those views of Hoyt Lake are BEAUTIFUL.

Dog Park: Hands down my Harlie girl loves the Knox Farm – whether its running around at the dog park or walking the trails it’s a happy place for her

Workout Spot: #REVLIFE is the best life. Any class at Revolution Buffalo is sure to be a fun time. It is my happy place. A place where I take in all the positive vibes that I can. I also love Love in Motion yoga. Kate and Kath bring those feel good vibes with every flow

Outdoor spots: Hands down The Outer Harbor is my favorite waterfront spot and a spot that I never get sick of. Whether it’s a run, walk, the views or visiting Tifft Nature Preserve it has a special place in my heart. Delaware Park and Artpark are also places I love to visit outdoors

Fun things to do: A fishing excursion with Brookdog Fishing is a blast and I highly recommend for anyone (at any fishing level). The Buffalo Pedal Tours are so much fun, Hatchets & Hops is also a fun place to check out as well as the Silo City tours with Explore Buffalo

Coffee Shops: Remedy House, Tipico, Public and Overwinter

Favorite places: The Buffalo Zoo (that’s a given; I mean if you know me you know how much I love animals (more than some people)). The Aquarium is another favorite spot. The Science Museum, kayaking, The Buffalo Central Terminal and the Broadway Market

Favorite summer time events: Jack Craft Fair and new this year – Door Open Buffalo/Explore Buffalo, I always try and visit Shakespeare at Delaware Park too, it’s a classic summertime activity in Buffalo. Wines in the Wild at the Zoo is also one I always go to. For me being an event planner I feel like I attend a lot of events not just plan a lot so when a new event is created or its an event I have never been to – that excites me more than a recurring event, unless it has “wowed” me.

My bucket list of things to do before summer is over: Visit the new Explore & More, A hot air balloon ride (this has been on my bucket list for years), learn/try to paddle board – all those years at the Harbor and I never had a chance to do it then, visit Shirt Factory in Medina, and take a class with Ren at Rise Fitness.

I will not lie one of my favorite places to take Harlie is Knox Farm, but recently I have to say its nice to take her to the Outer Harbor. Not only are the water views beautiful, having the bike path to walk up and down is really nice. If you are looking for a place to walk your dogs definitely check out the Outer Harbor - Wilkeson Pointe is a nice place to stop and check out while you're there too, you and your dog will enjoy it.

Harlie went on her second play date with her new friend Baxter Monday night. What was special about this play date was she was going to her first dog park! When we arrived Baxter and Harlie walked the trails on the property of Knox Farm before heading into the dog park area. Having not known what to expect, I was pretty nervous, they had two sides; one for the smaller dogs and puppies and the other for bigger dogs. I took her into the small dogs side where she was the biggest dog, but also got along really well with the others.

{At the dog park at Knox Farms}

{Just checking things out}

I don't know how other dog parks are, but the Knox Farm dog park was nice, they had buckets of water, a hose and some tennis balls and Frisbees, I was impressed and I think Harlie was too, when it was time to leave she wouldn't get in the car.

{Running around and having some fun with Baxter}

{Saying goodbye to one another}

She had a great time with her new friend Baxter and can't wait to head back to the Knox soon!

Its hard to believe its April and there is snow on the ground today, well really, I guess not, I mean it is Buffalo. Regardless of what it is doing outside, there is plenty to do around town this month. Here is my list of some events and activities that caught my eye this month.

Take a fun tour with Explore Buffalo - whether its at the Fontana Boat House or an architectural tour you're bound to have fun and learn more about WNY

When I think of April I think of baseball and even though the Major League teams opening day was yesterday and today, the hometown team {The Buffalo Bisons} kickoff their season on the road this Thursday and are at home on April 14th #seizetheseason

Fern Croft Floral is hosting a class on Floral arrangements April 23rd...this comes at the perfect time, gardening season is right around the corner.

Makers Buffalo has a lot of fun DIY classes this month, Macramé Hanging Plants on 4/12, Pidge Podge is back with a weaving workshop on 4/30 and in between those dates there is so much more taking place! For a complete list of classes click here

Buffalo State College's Fashion and Textile program is hosting Runway ECOLUTION April 16th. For tickets click here.

Resurgence is hosting a Toy Brewbash on 4/14. For more details you can go here.

The new EXPO Market downtown is hosting their Grand Opening on April 18 & 19th. If you haven't checked out the popular downtown food hall, put it on your calendar to do in April.